MY TURN TO SHARE ATTACHMENTS

[3RRL]

Well, after all that toothbar posting on another thread, I finally did get mine in and installed it last weekend. It turned out great and made a BIG difference in bucket digging.


I also installed a couple of 12v plugs and solar panels on the tractor and ATV, discussed in another thread. Also a good picture of Pat's EZ change/lift system that fits my tractor perfectly.
I'll share some pictures of my projects

 

[3RRL]

I have no power on the property so I had to bring up more tools to run off the generator. As you can see from this picture, my workshop is the great outdoors.

 

[3RRL]

After checking the initial fit to my bucket (about 1/4" spare room) the first thing I did was clamp the toothbar securely in two directions using K-Clamps and furniture clamps. I made sure there were no gaps that would end up tearing up the bucket during use.

 

[3RRL]

Next, I used a Ø1/2" transfer punch to center punch the bucket. Then I pre-drilled with a Ø1/4" drill to get it right on center of the toothbar bracket holes.

 

[bncsauve]

Nice job on the installation. Looks like a great tooth bar.

 

[3RRL]

Next step was to enlarge the holes to slip-fit the Ø1/2" bolts. I bought this drill at Harbor Freight for 29 bucks..unbelievable!
It has a 1/2" capacity chuck.

 

[3RRL]

The bolt holes lined up perfectly using this method. Here is a picture showing the plate they provide all bolted together. My bucket had 2 holes on each side but none of them fit the Markham toothbar....too bad.

 

[3RRL]

I drove the tractor up to the where my larger generator is...a 5550 watt Generac with 8500 watt surge. I was going to weld the steel plates to the side of the bucket to reduce oblong holes in the bucket. I found out later that welding them made them slide through the ground a lot easier too. The weld created a bevel affect.

 

[3RRL]

This is another picture of welding. I ended up making several passes to create a bevel affect on the steel plates. I also found out my 35 year old Forney did not work as good as it did in the garage...about 30 years ago. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif So now I bought a brand new AC225 Lincoln that is supposed to weld great using the generator. I'll bring the Forney home where I can use it in the garage shop.

 

[3RRL]

Finally, I got to try it out on that area I've been trying to cut down and level. Notice how deep it cut into the dirt and also notice that Ø5" root it sheared off with no problem.
I was impressed!
Previously, I had to drag the boxblade with rippers down to loosen up the dirt. I ended up bending 2 big rippers on this same area. Also couldn't get the boxblade in some areas. Now I'm happy. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif That KM554 sure handled this job with ease.